Love shouldn’t hurt – ever – 01/29/20

Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever

Friday, 31 January 2020 16:41

by Christina Hays S.A.I.L. Project The ACADV and the Alabama Department of Human Resources collaborate to provide domestic violence screenings and services for survivors facing abuse. Supported by federal funds from the Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF), this project ensures that there is a domestic violence specialist on staff in each county D.H.R. office. The S.A.I.L. project started in 2000 and turns 20 this year. All services are free, confidential, and available in all 67 counties in Alabama. The S.A.I.L. Project’s mission is to help survivors of domestic violence attain their goals of safety, employment, and self-sufficiency. The goal of the S.A.I.L Project is to reach individuals who might not call the crisis hotline or visit a shelter but still need help dealing with the effects of domestic violence in their relationship. Specialists work with survivors to complete the following: •address underlying problems •obtain employment •develop safety plans • find resources •connect to shelter services. Domestic violence survivors often encounter serious safety risks from abusers when participating in welfare-to-work programs, experience difficulty obtaining and keeping jobs and struggle to maintain financial independence. Domestic violence perpetrators often sabotage a survivor’s employment by harassing them on the job, destroying items needed for work or denying them child care and transportation. In 2018 the S.A.I.L. program in Jackson County received 30 referrals from DHR and the community. Through the use of services, nine clients and their families were successfully relocated. In 2019 the S.A.I.L. program received 42 referrals and relocated 10 clients and their families. Each year, with support from Jackson County DHR and the community, this program has continued to grow. Jackson county survivors of domestic violence and their children receive services that have helped them maintain their safety and independence. In 2020, we hope to continue working to provide safety planning, encouragement, support and empowerment to even more victims of domestic violence. There is a significant need to be addressed, and the S.A.I.L. project helps to meet those needs. If you or someone you know need more information about this program and the criteria required to participate in it, please contact Crisis Services of North Alabama locally at 256-574-5826 or at our 24/7 HELPline at 256-716-1000. Someone will be able to give you information for a S.A.I.L. specialist to contact you. This program is currently being offered to adults 19 years of age or older with custody of at least one minor child in every county in Alabama.